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Aston Martin has taken a bold step forward in the digital transformation of its vehicles by becoming the first car manufacturer in the world to offer Apple’s next-generation CarPlay Ultra, solidifying its position at the intersection of automotive luxury and cutting-edge technology.

CarPlay Ultra, unveiled as Apple’s latest evolution of the CarPlay platform, is now available across new Aston Martin vehicles in the United States and Canada. The system will also be rolled out globally over the next 12 months and offered as an update to current models equipped with Aston Martin’s next-generation infotainment system. Customers can expect the new technology in models such as the DBX, Vantage, DB12, and Vanquish, with updates for existing vehicles to follow in the coming weeks via the brand’s dealership network.

With the introduction of CarPlay Ultra, drivers are offered a fully integrated, intuitive digital experience that connects their iPhone seamlessly with both the infotainment touchscreen and the digital instrument cluster. The technology allows for real-time information display, personalised layout options, and full-screen map and media visualisation, enabling users to tailor their in-car experience with ease.

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Electric vehicle (EV) sales are on track to continue their upward trajectory this year, despite geopolitical uncertainties and the imposition of fresh tariffs by the United States, the International Energy Agency (IEA) revealed in its latest annual report.

According to the agency, electric cars are expected to make up one in every four vehicles sold globally by the end of 2025, a reflection of shifting consumer preferences and the growing appeal of lower long-term operating costs. The IEA highlighted that affordability and advancements in EV technology are accelerating global adoption rates.

Fatih Birol, Director-General of the IEA, noted that electric vehicles are firmly positioned on a global growth path. He forecasted that by 2030, over 40 per cent of global car sales will be electric, signalling a significant transformation in the automotive landscape.

The surge in demand is already evident. In 2024 alone, global EV sales—including plug-in hybrid models—reached over 17 million units, representing an increase of more than 3.5 million from the previous year. The first quarter of 2025 saw sales jump by 35 per cent year-on-year, with full-year figures expected to surpass 20 million units.

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Audi has broadened its Gran Turismo portfolio with the introduction of the e-tron GT quattro, a new entry point into the brand’s high-performance electric saloon family. This latest model joins the existing S e-tron GT, RS e-tron GT, and the flagship RS e-tron GT performance, offering a refined balance of electric performance, daily practicality, and Gran Turismo styling.

The e-tron GT quattro is equipped with a dual-motor setup capable of delivering 496hp of power, with a temporary boost to 576hp available via Launch Control. Powered by a 105 kWh battery (97 kWh usable), the car provides an estimated range of up to 622km on a single charge, making it well suited for long-distance journeys and urban commuting alike.

Charging capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with the model supporting up to 320 kW of direct current fast charging. In optimal conditions, it can replenish up to 285km of range in just ten minutes. A thermal management system automatically conditions the battery when navigating to high-power chargers, ensuring peak charging efficiency with minimal waiting time.

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In a decisive step toward accelerating its electrification agenda, Mazda Motor Corporation has entered a strategic partnership with Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Ltd. (CATL), the global leader in electric vehicle battery manufacturing. The collaboration, conducted through Mazda’s Chinese joint venture with Changan Automobile, Changan Mazda, will centre around the adoption of CATL’s state-of-the-art CIIC (Cell to Chassis Integrated Intelligent Chassis) platform.

Unveiled in December last year, CATL’s CIIC platform offers a revolutionary skateboard-style vehicle architecture. It employs a decoupled structure that separates the vehicle’s upper and lower bodies, allowing for modular sub-systems and standardised connection interfaces. This setup facilitates enhanced flexibility in both hardware and software integration, enabling automakers to streamline vehicle development while rapidly adapting to shifting market demands.

By merging CATL’s advanced chassis technology with Changan Mazda’s established automotive production capabilities, the joint venture aims to significantly reduce development lead times and introduce new energy vehicles (NEVs) that respond swiftly to evolving consumer and regulatory expectations.

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Japanese automotive manufacturer Toyota is reportedly exploring the possibility of acquiring Neta Auto, a Chinese electric vehicle company facing severe financial distress, reported by Car News China. The potential deal, though not confirmed by Toyota, was highlighted in a report by Kuai Technology on 12 May, suggesting that such a move could serve to strengthen Toyota’s electric vehicle strategy in China, the world’s most competitive EV market.

Neta Auto, operated by Hozon New Energy Auto and founded in 2014, has been in crisis since the middle of 2024. The company halted production and implemented mass layoffs, while simultaneously scrambling to secure outside investment. In February this year, a much-anticipated Series E financing round failed. This round was projected to raise between 4 billion and 4.5 billion yuan (approximately USD 552–621 million), with the bulk of funding—3 billion yuan (USD 414 million)—expected from a lead investor associated with a BRICS country fund. However, the investment was conditional upon the company restarting production and attracting additional matching funds, neither of which came to fruition, prompting the investor to withdraw and causing the financing effort to collapse.

Although Neta attempted to restart operations by briefly reopening its Tongxiang facility in January, a shortage of essential components prevented production from resuming. This setback had a domino effect, undermining investor confidence and leading to a dramatic decline in the company’s valuation.

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Nissan Motor Co is reportedly set to eliminate an additional 10,000 jobs worldwide, deepening its workforce reduction efforts as the troubled automaker grapples with what could be its worst annual financial loss on record. The latest cuts, reported by Japanese broadcaster NHK and the Nikkei business daily, come on the heels of a previous announcement in November to shed 9,000 positions.

If confirmed, the latest move would mark a total workforce reduction of approximately 15 per cent globally as Nissan attempts to navigate a landscape of mounting debt, intense competition, and faltering profitability. The company declined to comment on the latest media reports.

Nissan is expected to post a net loss of between 700 billion and 750 billion yen for the fiscal year ending March 2025. This would eclipse its previous record loss of 684 billion yen recorded in 1999-2000, a period marked by crisis that eventually led to its turbulent partnership with French automaker Renault.

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Nissan Motor has shelved its plans to construct a new electric vehicle (EV) battery plant in Kitakyushu, southern Japan, marking a significant shift in the automaker’s electrification strategy as it grapples with deepening financial challenges.

Initially announced in January through an agreement with the Kitakyushu municipal government, the project was intended to produce lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. These batteries, known for their cost-efficiency, were expected to reduce production costs by as much as 30 per cent compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. The facility had been a cornerstone of Nissan’s efforts to enhance the affordability and competitiveness of its EV line-up.

However, the automaker has decided to abandon the initiative following an internal review of its EV-related investments. The cancellation comes as the company responds to sluggish sales across key international markets, most notably the United States and China, where declining demand has eroded its profitability.

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Audi has unveiled its latest plug-in hybrid variants of the A6 Sedan and Avant, boasting significant improvements in battery capacity, electric driving range, and overall refinement. Both body styles now integrate a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine paired with an electric motor, with total system outputs offered in two variants—295hp and 362hp. These upgrades position the A6 e-hybrid models as more efficient alternatives to diesel-powered counterparts, while still delivering strong performance.

A key highlight of the revamped plug-in hybrids is the newly upgraded battery. With a net capacity of 20.7 kWh—around 45 percent more than its predecessor—the battery enables the vehicles to travel over 100km purely on electric power under the WLTP combined cycle. Specifically, the A6 Sedan is capable of reaching up to 111km of electric range in urban conditions, while the Avant achieves up to 106km. Even at higher speeds, the A6 can maintain fully electric propulsion up to an electronically limited 140km/h.

The two powertrain options deliver impressive torque and acceleration. The base version generates 450Nm and accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in six seconds, while the higher-powered model outputs 500Nm and completes the sprint in just 5.3 seconds. For those seeking greater performance, Audi still offers more powerful V6 mild-hybrid and high-performance S and RS variants.

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Stellantis-backed Leapmotor has commenced presales of the updated 2026 model year C10 crossover in China, introducing a more powerful electric powertrain and improved equipment while maintaining its familiar design. The model, which debuted in March 2024, has already achieved significant success, with total deliveries reaching 97,103 units, according to data from China EV DataTracker.

This latest iteration of the Leapmotor C10, set to enter the Chinese domestic market soon, continues the brand’s push into global markets, with the C10 positioned as one of its key international offerings.

While the exterior and interior design of the 2026 C10 remains unchanged, measuring 4,739 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width, and 1,680 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,825 mm, the SUV now benefits from major technological enhancements. Customers will still be able to choose between 18-inch or 20-inch wheels.

A major highlight of the new model is its adoption of an 800V high-voltage architecture for the all-electric variant. This advanced system enables faster and more efficient battery charging and discharging. The new battery pack uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry and boasts a 74.9 kWh capacity, delivering an extended driving range of up to 605km on the CLTC cycle.

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In a gesture that blends heritage with high-performance innovation, Lotus has unveiled the limited-run Emira Clark Edition, a tribute to the legendary Jim Clark. Developed in collaboration with the Jim Clark Trust, this special model is restricted to just 60 units and will make its global premiere as the lead car at the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix.

The Emira Clark Edition commemorates one of motorsport’s most revered figures, whose extraordinary achievements in 1965 continue to resonate across generations. That historic year saw Clark claim the Formula 1 World Championship title with Team Lotus, while also capturing victory at the Indianapolis 500 — a feat that remains unequalled. Beyond that, Clark also dominated in Formula 2, the Tasman Series in Australia and New Zealand, and achieved success in touring car races with the Lotus Cortina.

This historic campaign forms the foundation for the Emira Clark Edition’s design and ethos, celebrating Clark’s unmatched versatility and dominance across various racing formats. It stands as a modern homage to a driver whose legacy continues to influence the sport and the marque.

The car’s distinctive appearance draws direct inspiration from Clark’s 1965 Indianapolis-winning Lotus Type 38. It is painted in a bespoke Clark Racing Green finish, accented by a contrasting black roof, silver mirrors, and a striking yellow racing stripe across the nose. A machined aluminium fuel cap with a blue anodised centre, vivid yellow exhaust tips, and a hand-painted yellow pinstripe along the swage line reinforce its racing credentials. The doors are adorned with a Clark Edition emblem derived from insignia used on Clark’s original racing cars.

Inside, the Emira Clark Edition evokes an atmosphere steeped in motorsport nostalgia. The seats are asymmetrically upholstered — the driver’s seat wrapped in red leather and Alcantara to mirror Clark’s 1965 racing cockpit, while the passenger seat features black leather and Alcantara. A retro-style wooden gear knob enhances the period aesthetic, accompanied by commemorative Jim Clark badges which incorporate his unique family tartan from Lochcarron, Scotland. Additional design flourishes include Clark’s signature on the dashboard and Team Lotus motifs stitched into the seatbacks.

Each car will be individually numbered with carbon fibre treadplates indicating its limited production run. Buyers will also receive an exclusive hand-crafted leather holdall tailored with Clark Edition detailing, underscoring the bespoke nature of the vehicle.

Underneath its historically inspired design lies the power of the Lotus Emira V6. The special edition retains the 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine, delivering 400hp through a six-speed manual gearbox with a limited-slip differential. Performance enhancements include unfiltered hydraulic steering, a revised exhaust note, Track Mode, and a sports suspension package courtesy of the Lotus Driver’s Pack.

The Emira Clark Edition not only celebrates a motorsport titan but also offers a pure driving experience in keeping with Lotus’s engineering philosophy. This model stands as both a collector’s gem and a testament to Clark’s enduring influence on the world of racing.

In the United Kingdom, the Emira Clark Edition is priced at £115,000 (RM646,274), while the German market will see it listed at €140,000 (RM666,176).

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